Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Yatra Lounge and Restro, located near the international departure area of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), has become a go-to place for people visiting the airport within a short span of time. It offers travelers the comfort of a lounge with the culinary variety of a full-service restaurant.
The space is open not only to international passengers but also to family members, airport staff, and visitors. Unlike conventional airport lounges, which operate inside secured zones, Yatra Lounge and Restro is accessible to everyone visiting the airport.
The promoters of Yatra, who have over a decade of experience in airport hospitality, say the concept was developed after carefully studying what travelers want before long flights. Our focus, therefore, is on comfort, cleanliness, and good food in a calm setting, they say.
Before Yatra opened, people visiting the international departure area of the airport had limited facilities. There were no proper restrooms, water services, or comfortable seating arrangements. The new facility now offers clean restrooms, shower rooms, and quiet seating areas where travelers can rest before their journey. The lounge also caters to travelers dealing with jet lag or long layovers. Recliner chairs and private sleeping rooms are available for those in need of rest, while workspaces with Wi-Fi serve business travelers.
The menu at Yatra Lounge has been carefully curated to suit diverse tastes. Authentic Thakali cuisine is already popular among Nepali travelers seeking familiar food before departure or after arrival. The restaurant also serves international dishes, including Italian, Thai, and Chinese items. Further, the team is currently working on a signature dish to represent the brand’s unique identity and a refreshed menu.
With nearly 10,000 people working at Tribhuvan International Airport, the lounge also serves as a meeting and dining space for airport staff. It provides a place where officials and employees can meet guests who are not allowed inside secure airport zones.
Yatra Lounge and Restro operates around the clock with day and night shifts. The outlet currently employs about 40 staff members. All employees are trained in food safety, hygiene, and customer service.
In addition to dining, the lounge offers affordable packages and combo deals. These include access to sleeping rooms, massage chairs, recliners, and work areas. Guests can choose individual services or bundled options depending on their time and needs.
Promoters of Yatra are planning to extend services to domestic travelers as well. As the domestic terminal is located at some distance, the lounge aims to provide a resting and dining option for passengers with early arrivals or long waits near the international area.
Likewise, Yatra is also preparing to launch a help desk for first-time international visitors to Nepal. The desk will provide information on local transport, cultural practices, emergency contacts, and major tourist destinations. These services will be included in future combo packages.
